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OPINION
Learn your business
Improve your ability to solve complex problems and better support your colleagues and clients.
G rowth is essential for both businesses and their employees. For many young professionals, the first question when planning their career growth is, “Where do I start?” My top advice is always the same: Learn more about your business. Knowing the ins and outs of your company, even at a basic level, can enhance your ability to support clients, coworkers, and your own professional development.
Mallory Lindgren
While this may appear to be a daunting task, consider the adage “a mile wide and an inch deep” as your initial learning strategy. It is also a great tool for building relationships throughout your firm. Jeroen Kraaijenbrink’s 6M Model from The One-Hour Strategy provides a framework for understanding business strategy, encompassing: 1. Means. These are your company’s resources and skill sets, essentially how your work gets done. I encourage you to develop a basic awareness of your firm’s expertise, deliverables, and key leaders. Start by exploring how your individual contributions are utilized by your peers and clients. Then familiarize yourself with the expertise and deliverables of other departments. Take stock of technologies and procedures integral to your operations. It is also vital to
learn the extent and limitations of your firm’s capabilities. Benefits: Understanding your firm’s “means” can make you a more effective team member. You’re better able to identify potential efficiencies, anticipate the needs of your colleagues and clients, and strengthen your sales acumen. 2. Magic. This is your company’s unique value proposition – the special factor that attracts customers. Once you’re familiar with how your company gets work done, delve into the benefits it provides. Seek to understand the unique way your firm adds value to your customers, making you their preferred choice.
See MALLORY LINDGREN, page 10
THE ZWEIG LETTER FEBRUARY 26, 2024, ISSUE 1526
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